Boo at the Zoo, one of New York City’s most cherished Halloween traditions returns to the Bronx Zoo with a new line-up of activities designed for all ages.

The annual Halloween celebration will kick off Saturday, September 30 and run weekends and holidays through Sunday, October 29. A few highlights include: a Haunted Forest, Hayride, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Carving, Candy Trail, and Bootoberfest.

Scheduled activities embrace the spirit of the season while incorporating wildlife. Guests will have an opportunity to meet animals often associated with Halloween folklore including, vultures, owls, and ravens.

This year’s walk-through experience takes an eerie turn through a Haunted Forest. The spooky sounds, creepy crawlies, bats, spiders will keep guests on their toes as no one knows what (or who) may be lurking around the corner.

The historic Astor Court will be transformed into Bootoberfest with live acoustic musical performances. Grab a bite and a beer from the Bronx Zoo food truck and play some games on the lawn.

Bronx Zoo Animal Keepers will be on hand throughout the park to chat with Halloween revelers about the animals at the zoo while providing holiday-themed enrichment treats to some of the park’s residents.

Other Halloween experiences include: a mentalist who will read your mind; puppet shows, and crafts.

Hop on a hay wagon, and take a Halloween hayride around a hidden part of the zoo. Then make your way through an interactive corn maze.

All ages

Included with Total Experience and Premium/PLUS Memberships

Time: 10am- 5pm

Pumpkin Carving Demos

Professional pumpkin carvers will be demonstrating their skill and displaying intricate pumpkin carvings of wildlife and animals.

All ages

Location: Dancing Crane Plaza

Time: 11am-4pm

Speed carving demos: 11:30am and 2:30pm

Bootoberfest

Live music performances with games, food and beer

Location: Astor Court

Time: 12-4pm

Costume Parade

Hand-made puppets and props built by master costumers will be part of the fun as participants march through the zoo alongside an array of characters from the Alice Farley Dance Company.

All ages

Location: Starts at Zoo Center

Time: 12pm and 2pm.

Live Bird Meet & Greet

Visit with owls, ravens, vultures, and other birds

All ages

Location: Astor Court

Time: 11 AM- 3PM

Limited Dates: October 15, 22, 28 & 29 only

Mind Reading Shows

Ages 12 and up

Location: Grizzly Corner

Time: 12:30pm and 2pm

Magic Shows

Ages 12 and under

Location: Grizzly Corner

Time: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Live Puppet Performances

All ages

Location: Asia Stage

Dates: Sundays Only

Time: 11:30am and 1:30pm

Candy Trail

All ages

Location: Rhino Pathway

Time: 10am to 5pm

Extinct Animal Graveyard

All ages

Location: Mouse House lawn

Time: 10am to 5pm

Halloween crafts

All ages

Location: Dancing Crane Pavilion

Time: 11am – 4pm

Hay Maze

Ages: Under 12

Location: Butterfly Patio

Time: 11am – 5pm

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, 5:30 p.m. weekends from April to October; 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m November to March. Adult general admission is $19.95, children (3-12 years old) $12.95, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $17.95. Parking is $16 for cars and $20 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.

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About the Author

New York Trend is a weekly news publication that focuses on issues and lifestyles of the African & Caribbean American communities throughout the New York metropolitan area and Nassau and Suffolk Counties of Long Island. It is a respected and well recognized news publication that has been in existence since 1989. Owner, Publisher and Executive Director, Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams has been at the helm of this award-winning publication since its inception. New York Trend continues to be the only black woman-owned, metropolitan newspaper in New York and Long island. New York Trend is the largest black-owned newspaper throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.